OSHA cites Elk Grove company after press crushes worker's finger

The U.S. Department of Labor Occupational Safety and Health Administration inspectors issued 14 serious safety violations to an Elk Grove Village steel parts manufacturer on July 14, agency officials said.

Many of the violations involve exposing workers to machinery operating parts, according to a news release from OSHA.

Topy Precision Manufacturing Inc., 1375 Lunt Ave.,faces penalties of up to $61,695 after a 25-ton power press crushed a temporary worker's right ring finger, the news release said. The injury occurred when machine guards failed to work properly.

"Topy Precision Manufacturing put workers at risk of injuries because they did not implement required machine safety procedures or train workers to recognize serious machine hazards," said Angeline Loftus, OSHA's area director for its Chicago North Office in Des Plaines. "Employers have a responsibility to ensure their workplaces are safe."

During an inspection of Topy in January, an OSHA inspector also found numerous electrical hazards and that workers lacked proper training to operate powered industrial vehicles.

Topy manufactures spring steel fasteners, clamps, clips and other components.